Opelousas Man Arrested For Alleged Dog Fighting

Willie Joseph Jr. has been arrested after video evidence showed him allegedly watching and instigating a dog fight in his backyard.

St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz says a witness turned over the video to his office. Sheriff Guidroz says when Joseph was confronted about it by deputies, he told them he was trying to make the pit bulls play, not fight.

Deputies say one of the dogs had blood and cuts on both ears while it sat in a cage. The other pit bull was found inside of the house with cuts and blood on the front of its face.

“I would like to thank the person who brought this to our attention and provided us with the video evidence," says Sheriff Guidroz. "Working with the witness and the St. Landry Parish Animal Shelter, Joseph was arrested and the dogs were taken out of that environment.”

Animal control now has the dogs. Joseph has been charged with Felony Dog Fighting and sits in the St. Landry Parish Jail on a $3,500.00 bond.

If you have any information on dog fighting, call St. Landry Crime Stoppers at 337-948-8477 or download the P3 app on your mobile device to submit your anonymous tips. You could earn up to a $1,000 cash reward.